OH what a night! Quite simply the best sporting talent on Teesside gathered at the Riverside Stadium last night for the 15th Annual Evening Gazette Sports Awards, sponsored by Tees Active.

A memorable occasion for all who attended saw Olympic gold medalist Kat Copeland, third right, named Sportsperson of the Year.

On accepting her award, the 21-year-old rower said: "I’m really proud to come from Teesside and the award is really appreciated. The reaction of the Teesside people is more important to me than anything else."

Boro legend Mark Proctor was named Evening Gazette Lifetime Achievement Award winner in recognition of his contribution to Teesside sport as both a player and a coach.

"I’ve had a fantastic career so far and have worked with some wonderful people," said Middlesbrough-born Mark, 51, after accepting his award from Tees Valley Leisure. "It makes me proud to be Boro’s first team coach."

Showjumper Millie Allen is Junior Sportsperson of the year, Billingham Stars ice hockey club is Team of the Year while Stockton Wrestling Club is Junior Team of the Year and canoeist Lucy Gardener won the Special Needs Performance of the Year award.